Proverb 29:1. A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.
Philippians 2: 14-15. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...
As in previous generations, our generation has depravity. We are to shine like stars reflecting the glory of Christ. We are to labor for Him in showing the unbelievers the hope that Christ brings.
Our behavior should emulate that of Christ. We are to do everything without complaining or arguing.
God rebukes us when we get off track. At times, he burdens us with a conviction that we are living a lie. When we are disobedient to God, he disciplines us because he loves us. When we are off track, God makes it uncomfortable and disturbing so that our confusion causes problems in our lives with regard to our marriages, our work, our friendships, our self-esteem, and especially our relationships with God. As proverbs says, we must not remain stiff-necked when God allows this discipline. We must learn to recognize that God is leading us to realize our lack of faith and disobedience. This will enable us to make a change so that we may remain blameless and shine for Christ!
This kind of discipline should come from us as parents. We must rebuke our children when they behave in such a manner that is displeasing to God. We must train them to not argue with us. Explain that out of love for them and their futures, we discipline them for their bad behavior. Discipline must be presented in a manner that best restrains the child. He/she must not be allowed to bully us parents with their continued complaining and taking charge. They need to learn self-control and respect for authority. It is our job as parents to continue the long term fight to be the person in charge who guides our children with loving but firm hands.
See my book, "Proverbs: Wisdom for Daily Living" for more of God's guidance about discipline and other subjects. Buy it from Amazon or Barnes and Noble as a digital book for $4.99.
Kay Thompson Brown
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Monday, October 14, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
God's Control
Proverb16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
In Psalm 33:8-11, David says, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
I have to remind myself that God is in control even when things don't seem to be going well. It seems like lately everyone in my family is sick or in pain, and I feel helpless. Then I remind myself that God wants " good for those who are called according to his purpose." One of my grandchildren has been sick and vomiting off and on for 8 days. Sometimes he seems fine, and then he gets sick again. After 2 doctor's visits and a trip to the emergency room for IV fluids, they sent him home. They did not know for certain the problem. I kept the 3 month all who was used to breast feeding and had to feed him a bottle. Now that was a battle royal. After the little thing tired out from being mad, he took the bottle like a pro. The little stinker! My mother-in-law cracked her back and has been in the hospital in a different town. She has been there for 2 weeks. It has been very frustrating because it is taking so long for a plan. We are grateful that her brace is allowing her to get out of bed and walk some. My mother who is in a nursing home is always in pain due to just being 91 and having a deterioration of her bones. She never complains, and she has a positive attitude. I pray for the miracle of complete healing for all of them. Before I ask God again about why my family and others have to suffer, I need to read Job. Job 40:1-2 the Lord said to Job: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!". Job 40:8-9 "would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? Job 40:15 "look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox."
God created us and all other things. He has power over everything. We should not condemn him for his allowing misfortune. He has a whole other agenda that makes our problems look measly. His agenda is to save us all for an eternity, a length of time that will make our time on earth a mere moment. He cares for our problems and wants to listen to our hurts. If we ask and not condemn, he will give us the mercy of his peace!
Kay Brown
In Psalm 33:8-11, David says, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
I have to remind myself that God is in control even when things don't seem to be going well. It seems like lately everyone in my family is sick or in pain, and I feel helpless. Then I remind myself that God wants " good for those who are called according to his purpose." One of my grandchildren has been sick and vomiting off and on for 8 days. Sometimes he seems fine, and then he gets sick again. After 2 doctor's visits and a trip to the emergency room for IV fluids, they sent him home. They did not know for certain the problem. I kept the 3 month all who was used to breast feeding and had to feed him a bottle. Now that was a battle royal. After the little thing tired out from being mad, he took the bottle like a pro. The little stinker! My mother-in-law cracked her back and has been in the hospital in a different town. She has been there for 2 weeks. It has been very frustrating because it is taking so long for a plan. We are grateful that her brace is allowing her to get out of bed and walk some. My mother who is in a nursing home is always in pain due to just being 91 and having a deterioration of her bones. She never complains, and she has a positive attitude. I pray for the miracle of complete healing for all of them. Before I ask God again about why my family and others have to suffer, I need to read Job. Job 40:1-2 the Lord said to Job: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!". Job 40:8-9 "would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? Job 40:15 "look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox."
God created us and all other things. He has power over everything. We should not condemn him for his allowing misfortune. He has a whole other agenda that makes our problems look measly. His agenda is to save us all for an eternity, a length of time that will make our time on earth a mere moment. He cares for our problems and wants to listen to our hurts. If we ask and not condemn, he will give us the mercy of his peace!
Kay Brown
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Health
I have not written in awhile because we have sickness in our family. My 83 year old mother-in-law fell and fractured her back in 3 places. She has been incapacitated for more than 3 weeks and is hoping to improve with the help of a brace. I just realized how quickly our life situations can change. She was perfectly fine except for being almost blind. She had gotten used to making adjustments for the vision problem. Her attitude about that was good, but this back problem has really complicated her life.
Proverb: 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
We need to be cheerful and encouraging to those who are experiencing difficulties like health problems. We need to pray for good news and healing. If healing is not in God's will, we need to be staunch supporters and prayer warriors for that sick one to have a peace about his/her circumstances. We need to all remember that God is in control and only wants the best for us. Christ has already defeated death so we will forever live.
Proverb: 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
We need to be cheerful and encouraging to those who are experiencing difficulties like health problems. We need to pray for good news and healing. If healing is not in God's will, we need to be staunch supporters and prayer warriors for that sick one to have a peace about his/her circumstances. We need to all remember that God is in control and only wants the best for us. Christ has already defeated death so we will forever live.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Proverbs 31:27-28 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat of the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
I have been staying with my daughter and her husband for several weeks to help with the two grandchildren. Because my daughter's first son Bryce has special needs, I am needed to help drive him to therapy or to participate when his therapy takes place at home. The newborn son takes up a great deal of my daughter's time nursing. As I help with the grandchildren, I realize how important the wife, mother, and grandmothers are to the household and family affairs. A woman who loves the Lord will follow the Biblical advice of watching over the household. She is never idle but is rather always juggling her many responsibilities. In the case of mothering young children, there are endless numbers of chores and things to do involving caregiving. A godly woman will do these tasks cheerfully and lovingly. My daughter shows an amazing depth of Christian love for her children. She tirelessly helps with Bryce's therapy four times a week, and she does it joyfully. These therapies include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and eating therapy. She works on strengthening his weak leg by having him stand, walk, and practice on the stairs. His left hand is weak, and she repeatedly works with him to hold the sippy cup and pick up things. She encourages speaking because he is delayed. She buys toys with therapy as well as fun in mind. She must work on feeding therapy because the left side of his tongue is weak. She watches closely for seizures everyday. He has been to the emergency room many times for seizures. She gives two kinds of medicine three times daily. She takes him to a pediatrician, a neurologist, an opthamologist, and an orthopedic specialistic for foot braces. Her day totally revolves around his needs and now the new baby's needs. Her children will arise and call her blessed as they get older. Her husband praises her now.
I have been staying with my daughter and her husband for several weeks to help with the two grandchildren. Because my daughter's first son Bryce has special needs, I am needed to help drive him to therapy or to participate when his therapy takes place at home. The newborn son takes up a great deal of my daughter's time nursing. As I help with the grandchildren, I realize how important the wife, mother, and grandmothers are to the household and family affairs. A woman who loves the Lord will follow the Biblical advice of watching over the household. She is never idle but is rather always juggling her many responsibilities. In the case of mothering young children, there are endless numbers of chores and things to do involving caregiving. A godly woman will do these tasks cheerfully and lovingly. My daughter shows an amazing depth of Christian love for her children. She tirelessly helps with Bryce's therapy four times a week, and she does it joyfully. These therapies include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and eating therapy. She works on strengthening his weak leg by having him stand, walk, and practice on the stairs. His left hand is weak, and she repeatedly works with him to hold the sippy cup and pick up things. She encourages speaking because he is delayed. She buys toys with therapy as well as fun in mind. She must work on feeding therapy because the left side of his tongue is weak. She watches closely for seizures everyday. He has been to the emergency room many times for seizures. She gives two kinds of medicine three times daily. She takes him to a pediatrician, a neurologist, an opthamologist, and an orthopedic specialistic for foot braces. Her day totally revolves around his needs and now the new baby's needs. Her children will arise and call her blessed as they get older. Her husband praises her now.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Family
I have been busy with helping my family so I have not written in a while. My father passed away recently, and my mother is left alone at the nursing home. She is 90 , and my father was 93. They have had wonderful lives, and have blessed me in so many ways for my whole life. It makes me think about how Proverbs emphasizes family and love with discipline. They taught us to respect authority and to be honorable. At the funeral, I saw so many people pay their respects to my father.
It was a circle of love for relatives, friendships, and professional respect. He was a veterinarian for over 40 years. Everyone knew him because he was the only vet in 5 counties in the early days.
Now the circle of love and life is beginning again as God has always planned. My daughter just had my 3rd grandchild , and he really lifted me up from my sadness! Now I am helping her with the two grandsons, and what a pleasure it is! I am trying to carry on the legacy of love and belief in responsibility that my parents have given me. God is great, and he fills my every need each day. We laugh at my favorite refrain when I am too tired to think and ask for help. I simply say, " Dear God, Dear God." I feel so much better then because I know that he will figure out what my whole self needs!
Kay
It was a circle of love for relatives, friendships, and professional respect. He was a veterinarian for over 40 years. Everyone knew him because he was the only vet in 5 counties in the early days.
Now the circle of love and life is beginning again as God has always planned. My daughter just had my 3rd grandchild , and he really lifted me up from my sadness! Now I am helping her with the two grandsons, and what a pleasure it is! I am trying to carry on the legacy of love and belief in responsibility that my parents have given me. God is great, and he fills my every need each day. We laugh at my favorite refrain when I am too tired to think and ask for help. I simply say, " Dear God, Dear God." I feel so much better then because I know that he will figure out what my whole self needs!
Kay
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Love for Neighbor
God wants us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Proverbs tells us this repeatedly. Daily we come in contact with friends, family, acquaintances and strangers. We respond, react, and communicate with them everyday in ways that God approves and sometimes disapproves. We attempt to treat others as God wills, but sometimes our emotions are in such upheaval that they cause us to angrily express ourselves. It is hard not to act in a negative manner when we feel wronged. We need to remind ourselves immediately to pray in that first moment of anger that we can control our emotions and rather use the wisdom of God for a response. We will have to continually work on this because we will constantly regress to our emotional ways if we aren't careful. If we Christians cannot be kind to others, think how much harder it is for people who don't know Jesus. Also, those who are considering the truth of Jesus, may be turned off when they see Christians acting contrary to the word of God. Let's remember to pray to God that we will use His discernment in all situations!
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